BEIJING, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a condolence message to Cuban leader Raul Castro over the damage caused by a recent hurricane.

In the message dated Sept. 14, the Chinese leader also expressed the belief that under the leadership of the Cuban Communist Party and the Cuban government, the Cuban people will surely overcome their difficulties and rebuild their homes.

Hurricane Irma made landfall in the central Cuban province of Camaguey on Sept. 8, sweeping across Cuba's north coast and leaving at least 10 dead. It was the most powerful hurricane to batter the island nation in more than 50 years.